Benton – Less than a week after doctors operated on his lower back, state Rep. Will Coursey says he is already well on the road to recovery and is on track to resume his full legislative duties by the end of summer.

“As anyone with severe back pain can tell you, it affects every aspect of your life,” said Rep. Coursey, D-Benton. “It’s something I’ve dealt with for years, but I can already tell a world of difference with each passing day. Many have been concerned, so I wanted to let them know how well I am doing and to thank the many friends who have offered their support and prayers. All of this has really meant a lot to my wife Nikki and me.”

Rep. Coursey’s surgery is known as a decompressive lumbar laminectomy, and in his case, doctors reconstructed four lower-back vertebrae to ease pressure on the nerves causing pain, repaired a ruptured disc and removed three bone spurs.

“For those dealing with back pain like mine, I cannot encourage them enough to do whatever it takes to fix it, whether it’s surgery or physical therapy, because it is definitely worth it,” Rep. Coursey said. “Personally, it will make me much more efficient and effective as a legislator. Because of that, I can’t wait to get back to a full schedule.”